Heart to Heart: Issue #555
“BEYOND THE BRICKS” is the title of the 100th anniversary celebration of St. Mary’s General Hospital in Kitchener. The celebration began last evening at Ken Seiling Waterloo Regional Museum with words of welcome from Mark Fam, President of St. Mary’s. A moving film presented the long history of compassionate care at St. Mary’s, long-promoted by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton and carried on by today’s health care professionals who serve there. The museum display can be visited through April 25, 2025. It is a “must see”!
WE PRAY FOR VOCATIONS IN OCTOBER! Father Mark Morley has developed a lively program for promoting vocations in the Diocese. His popular Young Adults Night has been sponsored in many parishes and at our University Student Centres. Watch a brief video here .
THE DIOCESAN REFUGEE OFFICE HAS SPONSORED OVER 600 NEWCOMERS to Canada over the past 14 years. Over 200 of them will gather to celebrate the achievement on Sunday, October 20, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in McNally Hall, at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. The event will feature success stories of overcoming challenges, musical entertainment, and traditional foods! Thanks to the staff of our Refugee Office for organizing this exciting event. We are blessed to have so many parishioners throughout the Diocese support such a robust and life-saving program!
THE 2024 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS from the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board were announced earlier this week. Congratulations to Wayne Brown, retired Principal, David Hansen, Director of Education, Phillip Jeffrey, Retired Manager of Library Services, and Wilma Scherloski, (Posthumously) Retired Superintendent of Education. The awards will be given following a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, November 26, 2024.
150 MUSIC MINISTERS from many of our parishes will gather tomorrow October 19, from 9:30-3 p.m. at Canadian Martyrs Parish in Hamilton for a Choral and Cantor Workshop led by Gloria Gassi. The 2025 Jubilee Year Hymn will be introduced, as well as hymns in the soon to be published Hymns for Catholic Worship. A new Mass setting will also be featured, as well as a Cantor Masterclass. The singers are expected to “raise the roof”!
WHEN LIFE CHANGES is the title of a training session for the new grief program being offered by the Diocesan Family Ministry Office. The two-hour on-line session on Thursday, November 7 (3-5 p.m.) is followed by a one day in-person session on Wednesday, November 27 (9:30-3:30 p.m.). Dr. Bill Webster, the writer and creator of the program will provide the training. Sponsored by Arbor Memorial, the program is free. Parishes are invited to encourage interested parishioners to register for the session.
PARISHIONERS OF ST. STANISLAUS PARISH in Hamilton have been supporting the Polish Flood Relief Fund in support of the people in southwest Poland affected by the severe flooding caused by Storm Boris. Volunteers prepared packages of hygiene products, clothing, cleaning supplies, school supplies for children (backpacks, art materials, educational materials, etc.) and tools, along with monetary gifts. All a big help in a time of dire need!
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS IN HAMILTON sponsor their annual Clergy Night at the K of C Hall on Queenston Road on Monday, October 21 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The fraternal gathering is an opportunity for the Knights and Parish Priests to share a meal and renew friendships. See you there!
Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us!
Ex corde, +Douglas, OMI